How Does 10 Percent Bail Work?

General information on how does 10 percent bail work, written for relatives and friends of someone in custody.

Overview

In California the standard premium for a bail bond is 10% of the full bail amount. If bail is set at $20,000, the premium is $2,000.

What This Means for Families

The agreement may include other terms, such as collateral or a payment plan. Ask for all costs to be written down before you sign.

Key Points

The premium pays the agent for posting the bond. It is not refunded when the case ends, even if charges are dropped, which is the key difference from paying full bail to the court.

Details to Gather First

A bail agent needs these details to look up a case:

The person's full legal name and date of birth
The booking number, if you have it
The jail or station where the person is held
The charges, if known
Your own name and phone number

Local Help From Bail Bonds Monterey Park Experts

Bail Bonds Monterey Park Experts is based at 220 S. Glendora Ave Suite J, Glendora, CA 91741 and takes calls at (626) 513-8778 (open 24 hours / 7 days). For how does 10 percent bail work?, an agent can explain how bonds work in Los Angeles County, where people are held after an arrest by Monterey Park Police Department, such as Men's Central Jail, and which courthouse, for example Alhambra Courthouse (serving Monterey Park), hears the case.

Good to Know

Rules and local practice change over time. Check the current bail schedule and court procedures with the county, and use this page as general background only, not as legal advice.